May 02, 2017

Variation on a Theme

Remember that over-the-top commercial the loony Democrats produced that depicted Paul Ryan pushing a terrified old lady in a wheelchair closer and closer to the precipice, and finally shoving Grandma over the cliff? It was supposed to represent, in the Democrats' typical heavy-handed fashion, Ryan's allegedly "savage" cuts proposed for Medicare.

Never mind that Medicare, like Social Security, Medicaid, and indeed the entire federal government, are on an unsustainable course that really will go over the cliff if significant, substantive reforms are not implemented soon. Scoring cheap, sensational political points is the name of the game for the Demagogues.

But moving away from the Democrats, let's consider the destructive actions of House Speaker Paul Ryan and some of his fellow Republicans against President Donald Trump's agenda:

1) The GOP was so paranoid of getting harshly criticized for a government shutdown, it agreed to a continuing resolution for spending until Sept. 30. The funding bill does not include money to begin construction of the Mexican border wall. It continues to dole out money to sanctuary cities, and it continues to fund Planned Parenthood's butchery. There's only one positive: It increases defense funding.

2) There is no sense of urgency for income tax reform or a repeal of Obamacare in conjunction with a proposed replacement. Let's be clear: If significant tax reform is not undertaken -- especially a reduction of the punishing corporate tax rate -- the U.S. economy will continue to wallow in the muck. Ryan and his fellow establishment Republicans almost need electroshock therapy to be brought into this reality.

As far as Obamacare, the GOP must disabuse itself of the pre-existing condition sacred cow, and the ludicrous provision that "children" up to age 26 ought to qualify for their parents' healthcare plans. Instead, embrace health savings accounts and catastrophic coverage, which enables consumers to have much lower premiums with the knowledge that they may have to shell out a significant amount in the unlikely event that they face a serious illness or injury. This is an especially appealing option to young, healthy people.

Speaker Ryan and his fellow establishment Republicans seem beholden to special interests and unwilling to anger Democrats or incur the wrath of the rabid, frothing media. They are of the "go along to get along" mindset.

So, in light of the damage Ryan is wreaking on America, I have a suggestion for the Republican National Committee if it wants to gin up support for the Trump agenda: How about putting Photoshop to use doctoring up that 2011-2012 Democrat commercial about Paulie and Grandma, and replacing granny with an elephant representing the GOP. This might encourage sensible Republicans to run against the obstinate dunderheads in the 2018 primaries. Because, when you get right down to it, that's what Eddie Munster is doing.